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Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

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Original poster

Running - been at it since January and still finding it hard

16 replies

macnab · 26/05/2015 16:45

I joined a local couch to 5K group in January and we got to the 5k mark by 9 weeks. Since then I've kept it up, I run 5k every second night, without fail. I still find it really hard though. I'm wondering if there's something not right with my 'style' for want of a better word. I always feel quite awkward for the first 10 mins or so, then it sort of settles down.

Last night was a horrible run, I just felt awkward the whole time, my breathing was laboured and I couldn't wait for it to be over.

Is there anything I can/should do to improve? Or is it just not for me? I feel a bit meh about it all today to be honest. I've never done any sort of exercise and was hoping this would be a great way for me to keep fit. But I'm not sure now

OP posts:

26Point2Miles · 26/05/2015 17:08

Maybe extend your run? Make it longer. Some runs are just bad runs, that's how it is.

lljkk · 26/05/2015 17:52

Full marks for self-discipline, if you keep going every other night when it's not much fun. Maybe the other night you weren't very well?

10 minutes of grimace-pain is pretty common, mind!! I like running because nothing else pushes me so hard, and I can fit it in a smaller time window than anything else.

Do you ever go out with a club? Might make it all a lot better.

thanksamillion · 26/05/2015 18:13

I've been doing it since January and am pretty similar. I also run with a PT who does group runs a couple of times a week. She says most of her clients find the first 10 mins hard going - even the very fit ones - but then you settle into it.

I definitely find it easy to run with a group as on my own I'm likely to have a little walk now and again. I also have occasional really bad runs where I can barely breathe and it feels like I've made no progress in the past 5 months (which isn't really true).

I've started doing sprints sometimes and longer runs and it does make the 5km easier.

AuntyDiluvian · 26/05/2015 19:43

I agree that the first 10 mins is bad for everyone, but knowing it's going to be bad makes it less so.
Sounds to me like you need to change what you're doing and have an aim beyond 'do exercise' - do you do parkrun? Fancy working on reducing your times for a 5k? Or maybe extending your runs and signing up for a 10k race? Or both? How about listening to podcasts? The NHS have a free couch to 5k+ podcast which is worth a try. Or joining a group again (running club) might do it for you.
Of course it could well be that you just don't enjoy running and would prefer something else. But now you've put the work in to get to 5k - well done! - you may as well try finding a new way to enjoy it. Good luck!

suzannecanthecan · 26/05/2015 20:18

the first 10 minutes is always tough, most of the other 10 minutes are pretty tough too, occasionally there are a few bits when you are flying along but most of it is slog in my experience.
I do it out of bloody mindedness and for the hours of euphoria that I get afterwards, I find listening to podcasts provides a bit of a distraction, I've heard others say that running with other people is very helpful but I've not tried that yet.

your speed wil surely have gone up a little, that's an improvement :o

Original poster

macnab · 26/05/2015 20:53

Thanks everyone it's good to hear that I'm not the only one who finds the first 10 mins hard.

I had been running with a couple of pals and it was so much easier then. One of them has dropped out and the other is doing exams so taking a break. Maybe I'm just lonely on my runs! I will ask around if anyone would like to join me.

I wouldn't say I love it, I have to make myself go every time, but I'm always glad afterwards that I did. I suppose I was just expecting to be so much better at it by now. I have really noticed a change in my figure so would like to keep it up

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Original poster

macnab · 26/05/2015 20:55

Forgot to add, I am doing 5k in just under 35 mins. I have no idea if this is good or bad. But where I live is very hilly so all my routes include huge inclines, I'm not sure I could go any faster!

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suzannecanthecan · 26/05/2015 21:00

dont worry about speed, maybe try and increase the distance a little say every other run or every third run.
Running up hills is really hard, well done for sticking at it even though your running buddies havent been able to make it lately
music or podcast might help?

lurkingfromhome · 27/05/2015 08:12

I also found running 5K very hard and was exactly like you - I was pushing myself to run the same distance every other day but each time it was such a slog and I couldn't wait for it to be over - I had assumed it would get easier and that I would be flying along like Jessica Ennis with a smile on my face but each time was as hard as the last.

The solution, I found, was to start a 5to10K programme and start increasing my distance. Doing the same run over and over again doesn't actually make you get any better at it - I think you need new challenges. As soon as I started a new programme I rediscovered my enthusiasm and also seemed to get much better at running. Perhaps if you don't want to do a 10K programme as such, you could mix up your 5k runs a bit and do a bit of speed work or tempo running, then maybe one run a week try to add a little bit of distance on. I think just those adjustments could really help.

AmberNectarine · 27/05/2015 08:20

Yeah, what they said. I actually find running 5k harder than 10+. I think it's probably because I don't reach the point where I fall into that lovely rhythm where you feel like you could go on forever. Try upping your distances and don't worry about time. Great that you are doing hills - I always try and incorporate them, great for stamina!

As for bad runs, well they happen to everyone. I had a shocker the other week - only made it about 4k when I had to stop and walk. Was in a right strop, threatening to give up running etc. Went out two days later and flew round 12k, wasn't even out of breath. I wish I knew why I have those shitty runs!

Claybury · 27/05/2015 08:46

The first 10 mins can be tough because your body is warming up. Maybe you should start a bit slower, or spend 10 minutes a warming up before your run ( some slow jogging / dynamic stretches )
Running is a slog, people somehow assume runners ( like me ) simply love running. This is certainly not the case for every run - but it is so worth sticking at for health benefits, mental and physical.
As someone said, are you near a parkrun ? Try varying your routes and distances. The more miles you run at your stage the better runner you will become.
Good luck and just keep making yourself do it now you have got this far!

backwardpossom · 27/05/2015 09:39

I find the first 10 mins or so pretty horrible too and I've been running for years! Maybe try mixing up your training a bit. Change the route, run with others, increase your distance, try a bit of interval training/fartlek/tempo/longer but slower etc. Good on you getting out there, I know it's not easy! :)

Original poster

macnab · 27/05/2015 10:53

Thank you all so much for the positive encouragement. I think I'll just put it down to a 'bad' run. I definitely want to stick with it, I tried on a dress last night that hasn't fit me, ever (it was given to me by my sister) and IT FITS! this is purely down to running because I don't diet. So that's more motivation to keep running

I do vary the routes, when I was doing the couch to 5K group class one of the best things about it was that the girl leading the group took us on various 5K routes around the town so now I have plenty of choice! But I understand the logic in perhaps pushing myself to go a bit further rather than faster (I don't think I'll ever be fast!)

There are no park runs nearby unfortunately, and I don't want to commit to a running group because my DH works long hours and I like being able to just head out whenever I can as opposed to a set time. Hopefully my pals will come back to it again soon, the company really did make a difference.

I will also look into podcasts.

Thanks again

OP posts:

Saz12 · 28/05/2015 21:50

Try doing a really brisk 5 minute warm-up - this really helped me to avoid the really dreadful first-10-mins for most runs. Am v impressed that you're managing hills etc. Any thought to doing speed intervals? Or a shorter, faster run (measure breathing rate rather than speed?).

Original poster

macnab · 28/05/2015 22:14

Yes I will looking I interval or speed training. To be honest I'm not keen on upping the distance too much, I work full time and can only get out at night after 8pm so I'd rather keep it as short as possible! No marathon aspirations for me

I have no choice in the matter of hills, I'm literally surrounded by them. DH reckons my bum's never looked better though so at least there's a gain in it

I will also definitely do a warm up brisk walk from now on, we started off doing that for the first 7 weeks of our couch to 5k group and then just straight to running. But I do agree that this would help.

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KarenVivian · 29/05/2015 00:04

I started C25K the same time as you but finished a bit later.

I do find the first 10 mins harder but have now worked out some routes where I am running mainly downhill for the beginning bit including one favourite where I run down a path through a field of wheat. Its much easier, gets me going and every week the wheat gets taller and it reminds me how far I've come. There's nothing like it on a warm sunny evening!

I also did a longer run the other day which included a huge and horrible hill but I got up it and then the rest felt much easier.

I do the 5 mins walking warm up but not sure how much that helps.

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